Protesting Hong Kong "umbrellas" have been found guilty

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Chu Yiu-ming, Benny Thai and Chan Kin-man (from left to right) are known as protest face "Hong Kong Umbrellas"
Devious pro-democracy activists have been found guilty of accusations of public trouble for their participation in mass campaigns that have called for greater autonomy from China.

Among them there are three prominent activists who are regarded as persons of the pro-democratic movement of Hong Kong.

They could have been imprisoned for up to seven years for their participation in Umbrellas in 201

" Whatever happens today … we will insist and will not refuse, "said Mr. Tai, in front of journalists.

Mr. Thai and Mr. Chan were found guilty of conspiracy to cause social trouble and incite others to commit social unrest, local media reports. A big crowd gathered in court on Thursday to support nine activists.

Human rights groups criticized this resolution when Humans Rights Watch stated that the court "sends a terrible message." , – said Maya Wang researcher in a statement to the BBC.

What were the protests?

Protests began in response to China's decision that it would allow direct elections in 2017, but only from the list of candidates pre-approved by Beijing.

Beijing Extremely sensitive to the status of Hong Kong and any calls for greater autonomy from China.

The former British colony was transferred back in 1997, provided it maintains "a high degree of autonomy, with the exception of foreign and defense affairs" for 50 years.

Many people in Hong Kong believe that they should have the right to elect their own leader.

Tens of thousands of people were pitched on the streets and demanded the right to free election leadership.